Free misunderstoodebook by Kathryn Kelly Page B

another, he’d find one was as bad as the other.
    The gorgeous redhead popped into Johnnie’s mind and his chest tightened a little more. He’d intended to have her followed, but then all the other bullshit had started. She’d acted so different from the night he’d met her. The question was why. Had she come as friend or foe? If it was foe and she was trying to spy on the club, either amateurs had sent her or dickheads. Either scenario could get her killed. He was only happy he’d have free time on his hands the next few days. Not anticipating any problems in the foreseeable future, he could devote hours to discovering her secrets and enjoying her body.
    He’d find out if she needed his protection, which he’d be more than happy to give her. The thought was surprising but uplifting. It meant he was getting control of his emotions again after months of hell.
    Unrequited love was good for nothing but the shithouse.
    A hard rap sounded on his door before it opened and Val stepped in.
    “John Boy,” he greeted, walking forward.
    A frown creased his brow and Johnnie knew he was either in pain from his barely healed wound or he’d had a run-in with Zoann. Or both.
    Val zeroed in on the photo in Johnnie’s hand and snorted.
    Johnnie finished his beer, then slammed it on the nightstand. “Don’t. I know what the fuck I’m doing.”
    “So do I, brother,” Val said flatly, “and sitting in here licking your balls not getting you Meggie. She’s with Outlaw.” He glanced at his watch. “Probably under him or on him or sucking him right about now.”
    Reminding himself he really liked Val so he didn’t want to kill him, he threw him a dirty look. “What do you want, fuckhead?”
    Val shrugged. “Don’t feel like being out there. Thought I’d see what you were doing.”
    “Where’s Mortician?”
    “In worse shape than you. I think he’s in deep shit with Bailey and K-P gonna enjoy slicing his dick off piece-by-piece.” Flipping off the radio, Val walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. He held out his hand. “Give me her photo, John Boy,” he demanded quietly. “You’ve come enough times looking at it. Time to fucking stop.”
    Instead of handing the photo over—or responding to Val’s accurate speculations—Johnnie leaned over and opened his drawer, dropping the photo there. It was one of the only photos he’d saved of her from that time with the exception of Aunt Patricia. Before slamming the drawer shut, he pulled out his baggie and cigarette paper. “I’m going to be generous tonight, Val. Roll one for each of us.”
    Val didn’t respond and Johnnie finished his task with the ease of long practice before passing Val a joint. Once they’d both lit up and taken hits, Johnnie sighed. “What’s going on, dude? Are you in pain?”
    “Nope. Pills help.”
    No comment, so he sucked on his roll again. The man had just been released from the hospital, so, maybe, it was reasonable that he took so many pain pills. “How’s Ryan?” Johnnie asked, referring to Val’s son.
    “Don’t know.” He took another puff. “I’m sick of Zoann’s bullshit, so I didn’t call her after I was released.”
    Zoann’s bullshit wore Johnnie out, too, and he wasn’t even in the relationship with her. Or whatever the fuck Val had with Zoann. “Do you need anything in particular?”
    Mortician appeared in the doorway and walked in without invitation.
    Johnnie blew out a noisy breath. “It’s a good thing I like you motherfuckers,” he grumbled, shifting to the left when Val moved up so Mortician could take a seat. He really needed to bring some chairs in here. “What do you want?”
    “Don’t get all pissy, John Boy,” Mortician said with a knowing smile. “Til Outlaw comes back, you our Prez, so we coming here to talk like we always do with him.”
    “All the fuck I want to do is not kill anyone in Christopher’s absence. Not have any major fucking problems arise. And not lose fucking money. Is